Slide show: San Clemente collector puts WWII artifacts on display

Joe Trumpio describes a U.S. paratrooper's uniform and gear which, at times, included a homing pigeon. To the rear is a German paratrooper uniform. In both cases, the mannequins are fully equipped, minus the parachute. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

A glass from Adolf Hitler's crystal collection. A U.S. Army nurse's summer uniform. A Japanese soldier's canteen. A British paratrooper's outfit.

These are some of the World War II artifacts on display through April 18 at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente. They add a dimension of realism to a featured exhibit showcasing more than 120 wartime photos from Associated Press archives.

Joe Trumpio, a San Clemente resident who has been collecting World War II memorabilia for 15 years, loaned part of his collection to the Casa, including gems like an SS dagger from a German general. He said he acquired the artifacts from dealers, auctions, the Internet, veterans and their families.

This is the first time Trumpio has put his artifacts on public display. On Tuesday, he offered visitors a narrated tour, telling some stories behind the artifacts.

He said prime artifacts are getting harder – or more expensive – to come by. "I started collecting before the 'Band of Brothers' craze, so I acquired a lot of good things," he said.

Why a WWII collection?

"I was just so infatuated with the 'Greatest Generation' era," Trumpio said. "Growing up, I watched a lot of movies with my dad, heard a lot of war stories from my dad."

During the "Memories of WWII" exhibit, the Casa is presenting a series of special events such as Trumpio's appearance.

Events through the coming week include:

Tuesday: A field trip from the Casa to Camp Pendleton to tour the Marine base's historic ranch house and military vehicle museum, with lunch at the South Mesa Club, $50.

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Joe Trumpio describes a U.S. paratrooper's uniform and gear which, at times, included a homing pigeon. To the rear is a German paratrooper uniform. In both cases, the mannequins are fully equipped, minus the parachute. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A mannequin at Casa Romantica displays the uniform of a U.S. Army nurse, a lieutenant, next to a photograph of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
An onlooker's face is reflected in the glass of a Casa Romantica display case as Joe Trumpio, right, describes WWII memorabilia from his collection. Included in the case are a prisoner's uniform from a German concentration camp, a German helmet and a drinking glass from Adolf Hitler's personal collection. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
At right is the famed Associated Press photo of the raising of the American flag at Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. At left, memorabilia collector Joe Trumpio describes the gear worn by a U.S. Army medic and, behind that, a Japanese winter wool uniform. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Phil Pusateri of San Clemente addresses visitors at Casa Romantica, telling the story behind the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, in the famed Joe Rosenthal photo, which is part of the "Memories of WWII" exhibit at the Casa. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Visitors to Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens view the "Memories of WWII" photo and memorabilia exhibit. The Marine Corps helmet in the display case is from the collection of Joe Trumpio of San Clemente. It has reversible tan or green camouflage. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Against a backdrop of Associated Press World War II photos, Joe Trumpio describes war memorabilia from his collection. Behind him is a mannequin wearing a British paratrooper's outfit. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
In the Pacific display room at Casa Romantica's "Memories of WWII" exhibit, one display case contains Japanese field equipment including a canteen, a rucksack and leggings. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
In Casa Romantica's display room for European war photos and artifacts, Joe Trumpio, right, describes items on display from his collection. At right is a German Panzer tank beret. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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